Even though planting is nearly complete, corn plants are only 10 inches tall on average, well behind the five-year average height of 25 inches.

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Weekly Crop Report, corn was 96% planted as of Monday. Thus far, 89% of the crop has emerged.

Soybeans are currently 73% planted, one percentage point ahead of last year. However, this is significantly behind the five-year average of 92%. Thus far, 49% of the crop has emerged, as compared to 56% last year and 86% for the five-year average.

Sorghum is 20% planted, behind the five-year average's 77%. As for wheat, 58% of the crop is turning yellow, with 14% ripe. Also, 60% of folks are on their first alfalfa cutting. Last year, only 55% were on their first cutting at this time.

Topsoil moisture was reported at 59% adequate, 40% surplus and 1% short. Last week, the state averaged 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

For more information, view the report online at www.nass.usda.gov/il/wc/htm.